Lockheed Martin has begun delivering the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configured F-35 aircraft to the US Air Force.
A pair of F-35 Lightning II were delivered each to Dannelly Field, Alabama and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada last week, marking the resumption of deliveries after one year.
The delay occurred because of a hold-up in the integration of the new configuration into the new factory aircraft and the supply of some critical pieces of hardware, according to Defense News.
Phased Rollout
Therefore, a phased introduction of the TR-3 is being implemented, starting with a truncated solution.
“The first phase will deliver jets with initial training capability in July and August,” executive program director of the F-35 Joint Program Office Lieutenant General Mike Schmidt explained.
“By the end of August, we will deliver aircraft with robust combat training capability, while continuing towards the delivery of full TR-3 combat capabilities in 2025.”
The newly-delivered aircraft will not conduct combat flights until 2025, initially only flying for training.
Technology Refresh 3
The TR-3 features upgrades such as a better display and increased computer memory and processing power, essential for a more expansive modernization called Block 4.
A Block 4 aircraft will have a new sensor suite, more long-range weapons, upgraded electronic warfare capability, more powerful data fusion, and increased cross-platform interoperability.
“TR-3 and Block 4 represent a critical evolution in capability and their full development remains a top priority for us,” Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program Bridget Lauderdale said.
“These and further software updates over the life of the program will ensure the F-35 continues to be an effective deterrent and the cornerstone of joint all-domain operations now and decades into the future.”
Production Rate
Lockheed expects to deliver 75 to 110 aircraft in the second half of 2024, primarily in the TR-3 configuration.
Yearly production is expected to be 156 aircraft.